Identifying Other Adjective and Adverb Errors - PSAT Writing
Card 1 of 36
While the trick may look effortlessly, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
While the trick may look effortlessly, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
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This sentence uses an adverb (effortlessly) to describe a noun (trick). An adjective would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: While the trick may look effortless, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
This sentence uses an adverb (effortlessly) to describe a noun (trick). An adjective would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: While the trick may look effortless, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulous. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulous. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
In this sentence, an adjective is misused as an adverb. Since “meticulous” modifies the verb “work,” it should be an adverb. The corrected sentence reads: "When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulously."
In this sentence, an adjective is misused as an adverb. Since “meticulous” modifies the verb “work,” it should be an adverb. The corrected sentence reads: "When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulously."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The red indicator light blinked steady on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The red indicator light blinked steady on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running. No error.
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This sentence uses the adjective “steady” to modify the verb “blinked.” An adjective cannot modify a verb, but an adverb would be correct in this context. The corrected sentence reads, "The red indicator light blinked steadily on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running."
This sentence uses the adjective “steady” to modify the verb “blinked.” An adjective cannot modify a verb, but an adverb would be correct in this context. The corrected sentence reads, "The red indicator light blinked steadily on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragic cut short by a falling piano. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragic cut short by a falling piano. No error.
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In this sentence, the adjective “tragic” is misused to modify a verb, “cut short.” An adverb would be correct here. The corrected sentence reads, "The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragically cut short by a falling piano."
In this sentence, the adjective “tragic” is misused to modify a verb, “cut short.” An adverb would be correct here. The corrected sentence reads, "The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragically cut short by a falling piano."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smooth. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smooth. No error
Tap to reveal answer
In this sentence, the adjective “smooth” is used to modify the verb “went.” An adverb would be correct in this situation. The corrected sentence reads, "Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smoothly."
In this sentence, the adjective “smooth” is used to modify the verb “went.” An adverb would be correct in this situation. The corrected sentence reads, "Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smoothly."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortable on one of the long leather seats. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortable on one of the long leather seats. No error.
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This sentence uses an adjective (“comfortable”) to modify a verb (“settled”), which is not grammatically correct. Using an adverb instead of an adjective would be appropriate, however. The corrected sentence reads, "Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortably on one of the long leather seats."
This sentence uses an adjective (“comfortable”) to modify a verb (“settled”), which is not grammatically correct. Using an adverb instead of an adjective would be appropriate, however. The corrected sentence reads, "Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortably on one of the long leather seats."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terrible in the actual tournament. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terrible in the actual tournament. No error
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses the adjective "terrible" to modify the verb "performed." An adverb is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terribly in the actual tournament."
This sentence uses the adjective "terrible" to modify the verb "performed." An adverb is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terribly in the actual tournament."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The audience watched breathless as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The audience watched breathless as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses the adjective “breathless” to modify the verb “watched”. An adjective cannot be used to modify a verb, but an adverb can, so an adverb would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "The audience watched breathlessly as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose."
This sentence uses the adjective “breathless” to modify the verb “watched”. An adjective cannot be used to modify a verb, but an adverb can, so an adverb would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "The audience watched breathlessly as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
That track staris admired for his ability to run so swift, which is why many adoring fans have given him a nickname relating to his speed. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
That track staris admired for his ability to run so swift, which is why many adoring fans have given him a nickname relating to his speed. No error
Tap to reveal answer
Adverbs often end in "–ly" (e.g. "quickly," "slyly," and "happily"). Without this "–ly" ending, swift is only an adjective (e.g. "He is a swift runner."). In this case, “swift” acts as an adverb (describing how the track star runs), so it should be written “swiftly.”
Adverbs often end in "–ly" (e.g. "quickly," "slyly," and "happily"). Without this "–ly" ending, swift is only an adjective (e.g. "He is a swift runner."). In this case, “swift” acts as an adverb (describing how the track star runs), so it should be written “swiftly.”
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While the trick may look effortlessly, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
While the trick may look effortlessly, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses an adverb (effortlessly) to describe a noun (trick). An adjective would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: While the trick may look effortless, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
This sentence uses an adverb (effortlessly) to describe a noun (trick). An adjective would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: While the trick may look effortless, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulous. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulous. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
In this sentence, an adjective is misused as an adverb. Since “meticulous” modifies the verb “work,” it should be an adverb. The corrected sentence reads: "When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulously."
In this sentence, an adjective is misused as an adverb. Since “meticulous” modifies the verb “work,” it should be an adverb. The corrected sentence reads: "When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulously."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The red indicator light blinked steady on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The red indicator light blinked steady on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses the adjective “steady” to modify the verb “blinked.” An adjective cannot modify a verb, but an adverb would be correct in this context. The corrected sentence reads, "The red indicator light blinked steadily on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running."
This sentence uses the adjective “steady” to modify the verb “blinked.” An adjective cannot modify a verb, but an adverb would be correct in this context. The corrected sentence reads, "The red indicator light blinked steadily on and off throughout the night; it was the only sign that the machine was running."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragic cut short by a falling piano. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragic cut short by a falling piano. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
In this sentence, the adjective “tragic” is misused to modify a verb, “cut short.” An adverb would be correct here. The corrected sentence reads, "The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragically cut short by a falling piano."
In this sentence, the adjective “tragic” is misused to modify a verb, “cut short.” An adverb would be correct here. The corrected sentence reads, "The mademoiselle’s promising career in opera was tragically cut short by a falling piano."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smooth. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smooth. No error
Tap to reveal answer
In this sentence, the adjective “smooth” is used to modify the verb “went.” An adverb would be correct in this situation. The corrected sentence reads, "Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smoothly."
In this sentence, the adjective “smooth” is used to modify the verb “went.” An adverb would be correct in this situation. The corrected sentence reads, "Francisca was nervous that the sudden arrival of fifty international students would be overly chaotic, but fortunately everything went smoothly."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortable on one of the long leather seats. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortable on one of the long leather seats. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses an adjective (“comfortable”) to modify a verb (“settled”), which is not grammatically correct. Using an adverb instead of an adjective would be appropriate, however. The corrected sentence reads, "Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortably on one of the long leather seats."
This sentence uses an adjective (“comfortable”) to modify a verb (“settled”), which is not grammatically correct. Using an adverb instead of an adjective would be appropriate, however. The corrected sentence reads, "Schwartz climbed into the spacious limousine and settled himself comfortably on one of the long leather seats."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terrible in the actual tournament. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terrible in the actual tournament. No error
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses the adjective "terrible" to modify the verb "performed." An adverb is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terribly in the actual tournament."
This sentence uses the adjective "terrible" to modify the verb "performed." An adverb is more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "Although the eighth grade math bowl team did excellently in practice, the members performed terribly in the actual tournament."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The audience watched breathless as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The audience watched breathless as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses the adjective “breathless” to modify the verb “watched”. An adjective cannot be used to modify a verb, but an adverb can, so an adverb would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "The audience watched breathlessly as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose."
This sentence uses the adjective “breathless” to modify the verb “watched”. An adjective cannot be used to modify a verb, but an adverb can, so an adverb would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads, "The audience watched breathlessly as the contortionist brought her leg behind her back and in front of her nose."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
That track staris admired for his ability to run so swift, which is why many adoring fans have given him a nickname relating to his speed. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
That track staris admired for his ability to run so swift, which is why many adoring fans have given him a nickname relating to his speed. No error
Tap to reveal answer
Adverbs often end in "–ly" (e.g. "quickly," "slyly," and "happily"). Without this "–ly" ending, swift is only an adjective (e.g. "He is a swift runner."). In this case, “swift” acts as an adverb (describing how the track star runs), so it should be written “swiftly.”
Adverbs often end in "–ly" (e.g. "quickly," "slyly," and "happily"). Without this "–ly" ending, swift is only an adjective (e.g. "He is a swift runner."). In this case, “swift” acts as an adverb (describing how the track star runs), so it should be written “swiftly.”
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While the trick may look effortlessly, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
While the trick may look effortlessly, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence uses an adverb (effortlessly) to describe a noun (trick). An adjective would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: While the trick may look effortless, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
This sentence uses an adverb (effortlessly) to describe a noun (trick). An adjective would be more appropriate. The corrected sentence reads: While the trick may look effortless, the actual execution of a perfect double back handspring is quite tricky to achieve successfully.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulous. No error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulous. No error.
Tap to reveal answer
In this sentence, an adjective is misused as an adverb. Since “meticulous” modifies the verb “work,” it should be an adverb. The corrected sentence reads: "When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulously."
In this sentence, an adjective is misused as an adverb. Since “meticulous” modifies the verb “work,” it should be an adverb. The corrected sentence reads: "When calibrating the new equipment, it is essential to be patient and work meticulously."
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